From where I stand: “If more ethnic groups were invited to the high-level discussions, we would be able point out what the situation looks like for us, including the specific challenges women are facing”

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Nang Pu grew up amid the civil conflict in Kachin State, northern Myanmar, and has long been an advocate for the participation of women in peace and security. Her efforts have been recognized at the highest level, speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in 2019 in Geneva about violations of women’s rights in the conflict areas of Kachin and Rakhine. “One week after I was born, there was an armed conflict in our town. My mother tried to bring my brother and me to a hiding place in...

"Everyone is scared in this situation, but if we’re not doing it, who will?"

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Interviews with staff and volunteers from Myanmar’s Women’s Organizations Network (WON) and Migrant Monitoring Group (MMG), Myanmar

“It feels good when they ask me for my help, when people need me, especially since I know I can be of assistance and make a difference.”

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Interview with Sandi Swe, volunteer at a quarantine centre, Myanmar

“Solidarity is what we all need, not discrimination against returnee women migrant workers.”

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Dok: “I have worked on numerous construction sites in Thailand for the last 20 years. I am a hard worker with a good reputation with my supervisors. After the COVID-19 outbreak, my work situation quickly deteriorated. Many construction projects were halted in March-April and, of course, this meant no work and no income for me. My colleagues and I stopped working around the time Cambodia celebrated the Khmer New Year. I wanted to be with my family during this difficult time, so I decided...

"Ending violence against women cannot be done by one sector alone"

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020

Interview with Sainatee Boonta, Operating Social Worker, One-Stop-Crisis Centre, Nakornping Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand

“Lives on the frontline: Reaching women migrant workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic”

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2020

In both countries of origin and destination, the social and economic development potential of labour migration – including contributions to gender equality –is tremendous. Yet, even before COVID-19, violence against women migrant workers was one of the most pervasive human rights violations that negatively influenced the migration experience of many women, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

“No one deserves discrimination, inequality and violence, in hard times or in normal times.”

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Tenaganita is a civil society organization specialized in case management related to violence, exploitation and abuse of women migrant workers. They work to protect the rights of migrants, support survivors of trafficking in persons and also provide shelters for survivors of violence.

“Through the shelters, the bond among returnee women migrant workers is stronger.”

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2020

RPTC is a state-run center for migrant workers especially those who are survivors of trafficking in persons, under the Ministry of Social Affairs. RPTC runs a shelter for survivors, provides medical care, psychological support including psychological assessments and counselling, organizes life skill training for Indonesian migrant workers and coordinates referrals to relevant institutions as needed.

"You are not alone, we are here to help you."

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2020

I am working at a non-profit organization that focuses on the rights of women and children, and I am responsible for the hotline service for survivors of violence.

“It fulfils and motivates me when they say ‘Thank you’, when I see them empowered, knowing where to seek help.”

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Established under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, the 1300 Hotline, works on the frontline to respond to social issues, including violence against women, 24 hours a day.